[Paek Jongmin's Shockwave] "Quantum Computing Is the Future Standard of the Nation"

"Quantum technology is the next-generation paradigm that will determine Korea's leadership in science and technology after semiconductors. With the two wings of superconducting and neutral atom technologies, we will establish national quantum sovereignty."

Lee Hoseong, President of the Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science, is being interviewed by The Asia Business Daily. Photo by Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science

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The Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science (KRISS) is preparing to leap forward as the "national R&D hub for the quantum computer era" as it celebrates its 50th anniversary. In a recent interview at the Daejeon headquarters with The Asia Business Daily, President Lee Hoseong introduced KRISS as "the only institution in Korea that directly develops superconducting quantum computers while simultaneously conducting parallel research on the neutral atom platform."

President Lee explained that "the reason for pursuing both technologies is to secure an independent path for Korea in an early-stage market where it is uncertain which platform will ultimately prevail."

He described superconducting quantum computers as "the heart of national strategic technology." KRISS has already implemented a 20-qubit superconducting system and, starting this year, is fully launching the development of an error-free 300-qubit superconducting quantum computer. For the neutral atom approach, the goal is to build a 1,000-qubit neutral atom quantum computer system. The neutral atom platform is linked to KRISS's past experience in atomic clock research for time measurement. Research on measurement and standards, which physicists have long needed, is now leading to quantum computers and sensing technologies that will reshape the future world.

The ultimate goal of KRISS is to secure "entanglement link" technology, which connects multiple quantum computers. President Lee stated, "Quantum entanglement goes beyond the performance of a single device, enabling multiple quantum computers to be integrated into one massive system," and added, "Just as supercomputers connect multiple processors in parallel, quantum connectivity will be the core of next-generation computing architecture."

This technology is still in its early stages even in the United States and Europe. The "Hyperconnected and Scalable Super Quantum Computing Strategic Research Group," led by KRISS, was selected this year as a Global TOP Strategic Research Group by the Ministry of Science and ICT. This is a bold challenge in a field that even advanced countries in quantum technology have yet to fully master.

President Lee emphasized, "Although our research budget is small, we will compete with ideas and focus," and added, "In fact, quantum connectivity is an area where we have an opportunity to take the lead."

KRISS is expanding its collaborative network to position Korea at the center of Asia, including agreements with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in the United States, the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) in Japan, as well as with the OECD, the EU, Finland, and Australia. In particular, the K-Quantum International Cooperation Headquarters oversees the Korea-US and Korea-EU Quantum Centers, serving as a hub for real-time sharing of global quantum technology trends.

President Lee stated, "As the United States and Europe move to counter China-centric technology standardization, Korea is emerging as a technological balancer in Asia," and added, "Together with Japan and Australia, we will enhance international standards competitiveness through joint working groups."

KRISS also supports building a quantum ecosystem that connects industrial and academic standards. The institute is currently constructing the "Q-Hub," an international cooperation center for the quantum industry, at its Daejeon headquarters. This center will serve as a testbed for companies and startups specializing in quantum materials, components, and equipment. It is expected to be used as a space for both prototype development and incubation in the quantum industry.

President Lee explained, "We are linking the Deep Tech Valley program to help domestic companies directly develop quantum components and transition them into industry."

President Lee predicted that as quantum technology becomes more commercialized, the importance of 'measurement' and 'standards' will grow even further. He said, "A quantum technology standardization working group has been established under JTC1 SC3 of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO/IEC), with Korea serving as the chair country," and added, "We are integrating measurement standards capabilities with quantum research to secure leadership in the international standards competition."

The U.S. NIST, which has long collaborated with KRISS, is also a core institution in quantum research. Research institutes focused on standards, foreseeing the disruptive impact of quantum on future industrial standards, are closely monitoring these trends and actively engaging in related activities.

President Lee stressed, "The 50-year history of KRISS is the foundational history of Korea's technology. Now, we will expand that foundation with quantum technology and design the national standards for the next 50 years."

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